Investing in UAE Real Estate as an Expat: Complete Guide

Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias

For many expats, the United Arab Emirates represents both an attractive place to live and a particularly profitable real estate investment opportunity. With no income tax, high rental yields, a very liquid market, and the possibility of obtaining a long-term residence visa, the country ticks many boxes. But behind the postcard image lies a sophisticated market, highly segmented between emirates, neighborhoods, off-plan new builds, and completed properties.

Good to know:

This guide provides expats with a clear view of real estate investment, focusing on Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It covers the legal framework, identifies hidden costs, and details the risks to master for an informed approach.

Why the United Arab Emirates Attract Expat Investors

The real estate market of the United Arab Emirates has become one of the most closely watched in the world by international investors. The combination of an extremely favorable tax environment, a growing economy, spectacular infrastructure, and pro-investor policies creates a context that is hard to match.

The numbers illustrate this enthusiasm. In Dubai, the value of transactions exceeded 431 billion dirhams in the first half of 2025 alone, with over 125,000 transactions recorded. At the same time, the city remains ranked among the best places to live for expats, for remote work, and for high incomes. Across the country, the real estate sector’s contribution to GDP exceeds 5% and the anticipated annual growth of the residential market is around 5% for the 2025-2030 period.

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VAT rate applied only to certain commercial goods or services in the UAE; residential sales are generally exempt.

Finally, the country has implemented a range of measures to attract and retain foreign investors: freehold zones allowing full ownership, the ability to own property even without being a resident, 100% foreign ownership for companies in many sectors, and most importantly, residence visas tied to real estate investment, up to the famous 10-year “Golden Visa.”

Understanding the Legal Framework: What an Expat Can Actually Buy

Investing in real estate in the United Arab Emirates does not mean you can buy anywhere, anything. The country operates on two levels: a federal framework and laws specific to each emirate. Two concepts structure everything: areas where full ownership is permitted for foreigners, and the different types of property rights.

Good to know:

In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, expats can only buy property within specific designated areas called “freehold areas” or “investment areas.” Within these perimeters, they obtain a full ownership title, granting them complete property rights: buy, sell, rent, transfer, and mortgage. Major neighborhoods like Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Al Reem Island, and Saadiyat Island are part of these areas.

Alongside full ownership, other forms of rights exist: usufruct, musataha (right to develop land on a long-term basis), and very long-term leases. In Abu Dhabi, for example, foreigners can hold apartments and floors through systems of 99 years, renewable 50-year terms, musataha contracts, or usufruct. These arrangements grant usage, rental, and sometimes construction rights, without necessarily owning the land.

Good to know:

In Dubai, the market is structured by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) for transactions, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) for oversight of players and projects, and the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre for disputes. In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Municipalities and Transport and the Land Registration Department, along with the Tawtheeq system for leases, perform similar functions.

For an expat, this framework means two essential things. First, the market is now considered relatively transparent and secure, especially for off-plan projects thanks to the mandatory escrow account system. Second, the key is to respect the legal geography: any purchase must be in a zone actually open to foreigners, with a clear title, registered with the competent authorities.

Dubai: The Beating Heart of the Expat Real Estate Market

For an expat wanting to invest in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai remains a must. The city concentrates the largest share of the country’s transactions, with a market known for its liquidity, volume, and product diversity, from entry-level studios to ultra-luxury villas over 100 million dirhams.

A Dynamic, Liquid Market… but Growing More Complex

Recent years have been marked by consecutive records: soaring sales volumes, rapid price increases, and an explosion in the luxury segment. Property values rose nearly 18% in 2024, and again by over 15% year-on-year in early 2025. The villa segment has doubled in price since 2020, and sales of properties over 10 million dirhams jumped nearly 185% between 2022 and 2025.

Off-plan new builds now dominate the game: approximately 60% to 70% of sales are off-plan transactions, both in volume and value. In the first quarter of 2025, nearly 69% of sales involved properties under construction. This dominance of new builds attracts expats looking for lower entry points and staggered payment plans.

6.9 to 7.1

The average gross rental yield in Dubai, significantly higher than in London or New York.

Behind these flattering numbers, however, the market is entering a more mature phase. Analysts anticipate a slowdown in price increases, or even a slight correction of around 5% to 10%, with scenarios of a decline up to 15% over 2025-2026 according to some rating agencies. The main reason: a flood of new projects, with tens of thousands of additional homes announced between 2025 and 2027, even if, historically, only a portion of these programs are delivered on time.

Yields and Prices: Key Figures by Property Type

To help an expat navigate, it’s useful to summarize the orders of magnitude of average observed yields in Dubai by property type.

Property TypeAverage Gross Yield in Dubai
Studios≈ 8.5% to 9.5%
1-Bedroom Apartments≈ 7.0%
2-Bedroom Apartments≈ 7.0%
3-Bedroom Apartments≈ 6.4%
4+-Bedroom Apartments≈ 4.3%
Villas (overall average)≈ 4.9% to 6%

In practice, a studio or well-located small one-bedroom will be more profitable as a percentage than a large villa. But villas, especially in sought-after communities, often offer better capital appreciation over time, which appeals to expats targeting capital gains rather than cash flow.

Spotlight on Key Neighborhoods for an Expat Investor

One of Dubai’s strengths is its enormous variety of communities, each with its own profile of price, yield, clientele, and risk. A few examples illustrate the range.

Example:

Downtown Dubai, home to city icons like the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, is a major tourist hub. Purchase prices start around one million dirhams for a studio and about three million for a two-bedroom apartment. It is particularly sought after for short-term rentals, attracting expat investors looking to maximize income, despite more active management. Annual rental yields can exceed 10% for smaller units, with a median yield around 5.2%.

Dubai Marina attracts a young expat and tourist clientele, with its 7 km promenade and a record density of restaurants. Studios for sale start around 500,000 to 750,000 dirhams, two-bedrooms around 1.8 million. Yields typically range between 6% and 8%, with a median ROI around 6%. Rental demand is structurally strong, for both long and short stays.

Caution:

Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) sees high transaction volumes thanks to affordable prices and a wide selection. Rents have increased by over 16% in one year, with studios renting between 49,000 and 60,000 AED/year. Gross yields exceed 7%, reaching up to 14% for apartments and over 20% for some villas, making it a prime market for entry and mid-level investors.

Dubai Hills Estate, developed by Emaar and Meraas, exemplifies the new generation of large integrated communities: an 18-hole golf course, a 2.5 million square foot mall, bike paths, and parks. Average prices for a 3-bedroom villa are around 4 million dirhams, with 6-bedroom villas potentially reaching 18 million. Gross yields remain solid (about 5% to 7% depending on the property type), while rental values have surged nearly 34% in one year. This type of area appeals to expat families, both for living and for long-term investments.

Palm Jumeirah remains the symbol of ultra-luxury. 3-bedroom villas trade around 10 million dirhams, 5-bedroom villas around 20 million, and the most exclusive penthouses far exceed 100 million. Gross yields are more modest, often between 3.8% and 5.5%, but the potential for capital appreciation and the prestige compensate for a wealthy clientele.

For an expat, the choice of neighborhood will therefore depend on the primary objective: maximum rental yield, capital appreciation, personal use, or a balance of the three.

Abu Dhabi: Stability, Yield, and Undersupply

If Dubai dominates conversations, Abu Dhabi is increasingly talked about among expats seeking more stability and yield rather than a highly speculative market. The federal capital benefits from demand driven primarily by end-users, more contained supply, and a policy of major cultural and tourism projects (museums, cultural islands, financial zones).

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The value of transactions in Abu Dhabi exceeded 94 billion dirhams in the first nine months of 2025.

Abu Dhabi’s particularity is a structural undersupply, especially in villas and mid-range products. Only 6,000 to 8,000 new homes are expected to be delivered in 2026, compared to over 10,000 in 2025. This scarcity maintains upward pressure on prices and rents, with annual residential value growth of around 10% to 17% recently, and rents surging over 20% in some segments.

Yields in Abu Dhabi: Often Higher Levels

Gross rental yields in Abu Dhabi typically range between 7% and 8.5%, with a certain stability due to less speculation and a more end-user focused clientele.

Example:

A few examples by area illustrate these levels:

Area (Abu Dhabi)Avg. Apt. Price (AED)Avg. Apt. ROIAvg. Villa Price (AED)Avg. Villa ROI
Al Reem Island≈ 1,303,000≈ 6.5%≈ 1,852,000≈ 6.2%
Yas Island≈ 1,720,000≈ 6.2%≈ 4,911,000≈ 4.5%
Al Raha Beach≈ 1,778,000≈ 5.8%≈ 8,597,000≈ 1.4%
Al Reef≈ 808,000≈ 8.1%≈ 8,597,000*≈ 5.9%
Masdar City≈ 894,000≈ 7.3%—≈ 4.7%
Saadiyat Island≈ 4,472,000≈ 3.5%≈ 12,229,000≈ 5.7%

* Overall indicative value for villas, average yield for villas, where supply exists.

For an expat, Abu Dhabi can be an interesting choice if the goal is sustained and more predictable rental income over several years, with a lower oversupply risk than Dubai, at the cost of slightly lower liquidity and a less massive off-plan market.

Off-Plan or Ready-to-Move-In: Which Type of Property to Favor as an Expat?

One of the most structuring decisions for an expat investing in the United Arab Emirates is choosing between off-plan and ready-to-move-in properties (ready). Both options exist in all major neighborhoods, but each has a different risk, cash flow, and yield profile.

What Investing Off-Plan Means

An off-plan property is sold by the developer before completion – sometimes at the project launch. The buyer relies on plans, 3D renderings, a model, or a show apartment. Completion times vary from 18 to 36 months for standard residences, and longer for large complexes.

For an expat, the main appeal of off-plan lies in the entry price and payment plan. Launch prices are often 10% to 30% lower than equivalent completed properties. Typical payment plans like 60/40, 70/30, 80/20 spread the cash flow effort over the construction period, sometimes with post-delivery schedules. The initial down payment can be as low as 10% to 30% of the price, with the remainder following progress.

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The potential return on investment over 5 years for an off-plan purchase in a reasonable scenario, according to simulations.

In return, off-plan carries specific risks: delivery delays (often contractually tolerated up to one year), specification changes, a market downturn before completion, or, in extreme cases, developer financial difficulties. The escrow system mandated by law in Dubai limits the risk of fund disappearance but does not eliminate the risk of delays.

The Advantages of Completed Properties for an Expat

A ready-to-move-in property – often called ready, secondary, or completed – is delivered, habitable, and sometimes already rented. The expat can physically visit the unit, judge the finishes, the neighborhood, building management, and service charge levels.

Tip:

This type of product offers several clear advantages for an investor settling in or seeking immediate income: rental possible as soon as the deal is signed, or even income continuity if the property is sold with a tenant. Financing is generally easier, as banks are more willing to lend on existing properties, with loan-to-value ratios up to 75% for an expat’s first residential purchase. Resale liquidity is also often better, especially in established neighborhoods.

In return, the price per square meter of a ready property is logically higher than a similar off-plan unit, and payment plans are less flexible. The buyer needs to have their down payment (often 25% to 35% of the price) and cover ancillary costs upfront.

Synthetic Comparison to Guide a Choice

To summarize the off-plan vs. ready dilemma from an expat’s perspective, a simple decision table can be drawn up.

CriterionOff-PlanReady-to-Move-In
Purchase Price10–30% lower than ready equivalentHigher, especially in prime neighborhoods
Rental IncomeNone before deliveryImmediate (from signing)
Bank FinancingMore limited, LTV often lowerBroader, LTV up to 75% for residential
Payment PlansVery flexible (60/40, 70/30, 80/20…)Down payment + standard credit
Capital Appreciation PotentialHigher if good timing and good developerMore moderate but more predictable
Specific RisksDelays, changes, market volatilityVacancy, maintenance, fees, price cycles
Investor ProfileLong horizon, risk tolerance, capitalizingSeeking stability, immediate cash flow, first purchase

An expat discovering the market often benefits from starting with a ready property in an established area, to become familiar with local management, fees, and relations with agencies. More experienced investors can then add off-plan properties to their portfolio to boost appreciation potential.

Real Costs of a Real Estate Purchase in Dubai for an Expat

The absence of property tax does not mean no costs. In Dubai, the real entry price for a property includes a series of fees that, cumulatively, typically represent between 7% and 10% of the purchase price. Knowing them avoids unpleasant surprises at signing.

Main Purchase Costs

The main items are as follows:

Cost ItemTypical Amount or Percentage
DLD Transfer Fee (Dubai Land Department)4% of purchase price
DLD Registration Fee2,100 AED (price < 500,000 AED) or 4,200 AED (≥ 500,000 AED)
Real Estate Agency CommissionGenerally 2% of price + 5% VAT
Trustee / Registration Office Fees≈ 4,000–4,500 AED
DLD Administrative Fees≈ 580 AED
Title DeedA few hundred AED depending on property type
NOC from Master Developer (resales)500 to 5,000 AED
Legal / Conveyancing FeesApproximately 6,000 to 10,000 AED (more for complex cases)
Technical Inspection (snagging)1,500 to 3,500 AED for a 1–2 bedroom

To these amounts are added, where applicable, costs related to the mortgage.

Financing Costs

An expat using a loan must budget for:

Good to know:

In addition to principal and interest, the borrower must budget for several fees: arrangement fees (up to 1% of the loan + VAT), property valuation by the bank (2,500 to 5,000 AED), mortgage registration fee (0.25% of the borrowed amount + flat fee), credit life insurance (0.4% to 0.8% annual of the outstanding capital), and it is advisable to take out comprehensive home insurance.

Minimum down payments vary by status: a resident can borrow approximately 75% to 80% for a first property up to 5 million dirhams, whereas a foreign non-resident will often need 30% to 40% down payment, or even more for off-plan.

Recurring Costs Not to Underestimate

Once a property owner, the expat pays no property tax but assumes several regular charges.

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This is the maximum amount, in AED per square foot per year, that service charges can reach in Dubai’s most luxurious residences.

Next, the Dubai municipality levies a “housing fee” equal to 5% of the theoretical rental value of the property, included in the electricity and water bill (DEWA). If the property is owner-occupied, the owner is liable; if rented, the tenant bears this charge. Emirati nationals are exempt.

Finally, you need to account for the utility connection deposit (approximately 2,000 AED for an apartment, 4,000 for a villa), possible district cooling fees, insurance, routine maintenance, and management fees if you delegate renting to an agency (often 5% to 10% of annual rent for long-term, more for short-term).

Investing to Obtain a Residence Visa: How Property Visas Work

One of the major attractions of real estate investment in the United Arab Emirates for an expat is the possibility of linking this investment to a Residence Visa – short, medium, or long term. The country has structured several options, with graduated investment thresholds.

Overview of Main Property-Linked Visas

The major options can be summarized as follows:

Type of Property-Linked VisaMinimum Property Value (or Portfolio)Indicative Duration
2-Year Visa (Real Estate Investor)From 750,000 AED≈ 2 years renewable
3-Year Visa (according to some sources)From 1,000,000 AED≈ 3 years renewable
5-Year Visa (Investor or Retiree)Generally 2,000,000 AED (Investor) or 1,000,000 AED (Retiree 55+); other sources mention 5,000,000 AED held for 3 years5 years renewable
10-Year Golden Visa (Real Estate)In practice, often from 2,000,000 AED property value10 years renewable

The thresholds mentioned vary by source, but in practice, the 2 million dirham mark for real estate assets has become a central benchmark for the 10-year Golden Visa. Multiple properties can be combined to reach this amount, provided they are located in freehold zones and that the value taken into account is that shown on the title deed.

Good to know:

To be eligible, the property must be built and deliverable; off-plan properties are only considered after the title deed is issued. For co-ownership between married spouses, the value can be added together upon presentation of a certified marriage certificate. For a co-acquisition between unmarried persons, each investor must individually reach the required financial threshold to benefit from the visa.

Properties financed with a loan may be eligible, but authorities then generally require a certificate of no-objection from the bank and verify the amount of capital actually paid. Some visa types require the property to be held without a mortgage; others accept a portion of bank financing under certain conditions.

Procedure, Documents, and Costs to Anticipate

The process follows a fairly standardized sequence: property acquisition and registration, compiling a file with passport, title deed, proof of income, bank statements, local health insurance, certificate of good conduct, medical examination, then submitting the application to the relevant authorities (DLD centers, Amer, online platforms). Temporary multi-entry visas of six months may be issued while awaiting the final processing outcome.

Example:

Visa fees are not fixed and depend on the type of visa requested. As an indication, here are some price ranges: a short-stay visa (like Schengen) may cost around €80, while a long-stay visa or student visa can reach several hundred euros. These amounts are given as examples and are subject to change.

Expense ItemIndicative Amount (AED)
Standard visa fee (per person)≈ 1,100
Golden Visa (issuance)≈ 9,800–10,000
Golden Visa (renewal)≈ 9,400–10,000
Medical examination≈ 220
Emirates ID≈ 370 for 3 years (more for 5 or 10 years)
Certificate of good conduct≈ 220
Additional processing feesVarious filing, translation, legalization, health insurance fees… often several hundred, even over USD 1,000

In return, the holder of an investor visa can sponsor their family (spouse, children, sometimes parents), open a local bank account, obtain a driver’s license, enroll their children in school, and fully benefit from the local ecosystem, without having to depend on an employer as sponsor.

It should be kept in mind, however, that these visas remain temporary and renewable, that they create no automatic right to citizenship, and that the right to work requires, in most cases, a separate permit issued by the Ministry of Labor or the competent authority.

Yields, Taxation, and Home Country Aspects: What an Expat Should Look At

On paper, a rental property investment in the United Arab Emirates is very tax attractive. No tax on rental income received, no withholding on real estate capital gains, no recurring property tax, no stamp duty on residential purchases. The only significant “levies” are the transfer fee on purchase, service charges, management fees, and, in some emirates, local taxes on rentals (tourism fees, lease registration).

Tip:

The reduced VAT rate of 5% does not apply to residential rental income, nor to sales of new homes after their first placement on the market. It applies exclusively to the rental and sale of commercial real estate (such as offices or retail premises), as well as certain specific services related to the real estate sector.

For an expat, the most important tax consideration is therefore not local but international: it lies in the relationship between their home country and the United Arab Emirates. Many countries have signed double taxation treaties with the UAE, but these do not always cover every situation. In some cases – for example, for U.S. citizens – the home country’s tax rules continue to apply to worldwide income and gains, even if not taxed locally. For a U.S. investor, for instance, rental income and real estate capital gains in the UAE may still be subject to U.S. tax, though potentially partially offset by exclusion or foreign tax credit mechanisms.

Good to know:

Owning and renting out a few properties without a specific commercial structure is generally considered non-taxable private investment activity. However, intensive property management, property dealing/development operations, or operating tourist residences under an official license may be reclassified as commercial activity, thereby subjecting profits to corporate tax at 9%.

Concrete Strategies for an Expat Investor: How to Position Yourself

Once the legal, tax, and market framework is established, the key question remains: how to go about investing in the United Arab Emirates as an expat, with a horizon of a few years of residence – or a more distant presence in the case of non-residents?

Clarify Your Objectives: Income, Appreciation, Visa, Personal Use

Before looking at apartment floor plans, an expat should define their priorities. Are they primarily seeking:

– A steady stream of rental income to supplement a salary or pension?

– Medium-to-long-term capital appreciation, even if it means low initial rental yield?

– A home for themselves or their family, even if it means not optimizing yield?

– A combination of these goals, along with obtaining a long-term residence visa?

Good to know:

The choice of property in Dubai depends on the investor’s objective. For high and quick rental yield (potentially 8% or more), favor studios or small apartments in high-demand areas like JVC, Dubai Silicon Oasis, International City, Arjan, or Dubai South. For a wealth-building strategy with capital appreciation prospects, focus on villas in established or emerging communities like Dubai Hills Estate, Arabian Ranches, Dubai South, or Emaar The Valley, accepting a generally lower rental yield.

For a ten-year visa, the question of the 2 million dirham threshold arises: is it better to have one more expensive property in a prime neighborhood, or two or three smaller units spread across dynamic areas? Both approaches are defensible; the latter can sometimes diversify tenants and market cycles more.

Choose the Right Area Based on Your Profile

To help navigate, one can sketch out a few area profiles according to the primary objective.

Primary ObjectiveSuggested Areas in Dubai / Abu DhabiKey Characteristics
High Rental YieldJVC, Dubai Silicon Oasis, International City, Dubai Sports City, Dubai South, Arjan, Al FurjanSustained rents, lower purchase prices, high-performing studios and 1-beds
Balance Yield / AppreciationBusiness Bay, Dubai Marina, JLT, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai Creek HarbourEstablished or rising neighborhoods, good liquidity, mix of tenants and end-users
Long-Term AppreciationPalm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Hills Estate, Saadiyat Island, Dubai Creek HarbourPrime neighborhoods, major infrastructure projects, high-end clientele
Family Use and StabilityDubai Hills Estate, Arabian Ranches, Jumeirah Golf Estates, certain Abu Dhabi communities (Yas, Al Reef, Reem)Schools, parks, villas, gated communities

Additionally, it is wise to monitor infrastructure projects: a future metro line (Blue Line), the ramp-up of Al Maktoum Airport, new business and cultural centers. Historically, properties within walking distance of a metro station maintain a price premium of around 7% to 25% compared to equivalent properties farther away, and benefit from more robust rental demand.

Do Not Underestimate Due Diligence

In such a lively market, analytical discipline is crucial. For off-plan projects, it is essential to verify the developer’s reputation and track record, their on-time delivery rate (a rate below 70% is a warning sign), the existence and compliance of the escrow account, the detailed terms of the sales contract, including clauses on delays and possibilities for early resale (assignment) and associated fees.

Caution:

For a ready-to-move-in property, it is imperative to conduct a detailed technical inspection, review service charge and rental histories, and verify the title deed and any existing mortgages. Furthermore, access to the DLD database, RERA rental indices, and online valuation tools is necessary to compare the asking price with market realities.

In all cases, enlisting a RERA-registered agent or recognized professionals, and ideally independent legal counsel, is highly recommended, especially for an expat who may not yet master all the local codes.

In Summary: An Attractive Market, but One to Approach Methodically

Investing in real estate in the United Arab Emirates as an expat is no longer just “buying an apartment in Dubai.” The market has become vast, sophisticated, highly segmented between emirates, neighborhoods, off-plan and ready properties. It offers rental yields significantly higher than most major global cities, very favorable taxation, and the possibility of anchoring one’s residence status to real estate assets.

Tip:

The expat wishing to invest in Dubai real estate must now contend with more pronounced market cycles, the risk of overproduction in some segments, high transaction costs, and the need to research the laws specific to each emirate precisely. The days of haphazard purchases and quick capital gains are over. The new phase of the market demands informed choices, based on solid data and clearly defined investment objectives.

By arming themselves with this overall vision – legal framework, tax structure, neighborhood profiles, off-plan/ready trade-off, real costs, ties to visas – an expat can approach real estate investment in the United Arab Emirates not as a gamble, but as a thought-out wealth strategy, calibrated to their life horizon and risk tolerance.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. We encourage you to consult qualified experts before making any investment, real estate, or expatriation decisions. Although we strive to maintain up-to-date and accurate information, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the proposed content. As investment and expatriation involve risks, we disclaim any liability for potential losses or damages arising from the use of this site. Your use of this site confirms your acceptance of these terms and your understanding of the associated risks.

About the author
Cyril Jarnias

Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.

On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.

Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.

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